Belles: Buckley questions himself in build-up to Birmingham

John Buckley questioned his motivational skills after Belles slumped to a 4-0 reverse at Chelsea in their return to FA WSL action.

Belles endured a forgettable trip to Staines as they struggled to possess the same clinical finishing of Emma Hayes’ Blues and suffered a disappointing return to FAWSL action.

New arrivals including former Chelsea goalkeeper Nicky Davies, left back Lauren Cresswell and midfielder Julie Melrose all started for Buckley’s Belles.

But despite Jess Sigsworth’s best efforts for the visitors - one flashing across goal and another hitting the post - Chelsea eased to victory with a first half brace from Eni Aluko and further strikes from Helen Ward and Sofia Jakobsson.

Buckley admitted his side must improve for Sunday’s trip to Birmingham.

“I have to question myself,” he said.

“If that is the kind of standard we have to play against, then I have to motivate them better,” he said.

“They are a very decent outfit. We have to work harder against teams like that.

“We have to put our hands up and say they were better than us.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game in the Midlands, Buckley added: “I want them (the players) to analyse how they think they have done.

“We’ll see this weekend if they agree with me.”

Belles still prop up the Women’s Super League but have played fewer games than most of their rivals.